Clemson Swimming and Diving Teams Enjoy Successful Trip to Atlanta

ATLANTA- The Clemson men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams competed against Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Alabama at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center on Saturday afternoon. The men’s swimming and diving team defeated all three opponents, while the women defeated Georgia Tech.

The men defeated Georgia Tech 185-113, Alabama 187-107, and Florida State 151-143. With the victories, the Tigers move to 4-0 overall and 3-0 in the ACC. The women fell to 1-3 over all and 1-2 in the ACC after defeating Georgia Tech 166-130, but falling to Florida State 195-105 and Alabama 172-128.

The men’s team made a lot of noise, winning six out of 16 events. Attila Ruszka, Matt Angelini, and Andy Bergren made up the top-three in the 200 IM. Angelini also picked up a win in the 200 fly for the Tigers. Tom Recko won the 200 back for the Tigers, while Mark Vahle won the 50 free for the second consecutive time.

Clemson Head Coach Chris Ip was pleased, adding “we’re excited to pick up three wins against some tough competition. We beat a tough SEC team and two strong ACC squads. The guys are starting to come together as a team. A lot of different people are coming through in different ways. They really understand what needs to be done as a team. “

Additionally, senior captain Matt Balderston was able to finish third in the 50 free, fourth in the 100 free, and led off for the first-place 400 free relay squad. Senior Adam Farnham won the 100 fly and finished second to Angelini in the 200 fly. Senior Stephen Russell picked up a pair of second-place finishes in the 100 free and 100 fly, as well as racing the third leg of the winning 400 free relay squad.

On the women’s side, junior captain Rachel Regone won both the 50 free (23.47) and the 100 free (51.55), while teammate Lauren Sindall placed second in the 50 free (23.75). Junior Michelle Parkhurst picked up a victory for the Tigers in the 100 Back (56.71) and second in the 200 back (2:02.73). Sophomore Katrina Obas picked up a second place finish in the 200 breast (2:22.44) and a third place in the 100 breast (1:06.12).

Ip said, “I think the women did a nice job coming back. It took them a while to get going, but we need to be able to get going and be ready to bounce back on our other opportunities. But overall, I am pleased and this gives us a good benchmark of where we are and where we need to be.”

“Matt Balderston has been so consistent and he is really seeing the fruits of his hard work. Adam Farnham is definitely coming across nicely. Meggie Mizelle has done terrific for us in the 200 fly as well. Sarah Smith also started to pull things together.” The Tigers will have next weekend off form meets before traveling to Charlottesville to take on the Cavaliers on October 27.